The National Hockey League has officially unveiled the contenders for its most prestigious individual honor. On Friday, the league announced that forwards Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, and Connor McDavid have been voted as the three finalists for the 2025-26 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded annually "to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team."
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) submitted their ballots for the award at the conclusion of the regular season.
The Hart Memorial Trophy finalists have arrived! 🏆 #NHLAwards
— NHL (@NHL) May 8, 2026
The trophy is awarded annually to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team. pic.twitter.com/PJzE4cL55G
McDavid scored 48 goals and 88 assists for 136 points, marking the sixth year in a row that he has hit the century mark in points, and the third time he has posted 130 points. The Richmond Hill, Ont. native is a Hart finalist for the seventh time and is looking to become the fourth player in NHL history to become a four-time MVP.
MacKinnon was instrumental in hepling the Avalanche capture the Presidents Trophy this season. The Cole Harbour, N.S. native clinched the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy after leading the league with 53 goals this season. MacKinnon notched 127 points in 80 games.
Kucherov orchestrated the Lightning's offense with unparalleled vision. Operating as the premier playmaker in the Eastern Conference. Kucherov led the Bolts in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130), finishing second behind McDavid in assists and points.